17322, Felton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 17322, Felton, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.31 percent of the residents in 17322 has some form of health insurance. 31.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.48 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 17322 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,176 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17322. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 905 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,606 health care providers accessible to residents in 17322, Felton, Pennsylvania.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17322 and Primary Care Availability in Felton

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 17322, encompassing Felton, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), their proficiency in asthma management, and the broader healthcare ecosystem supporting patients with this chronic respiratory condition. An “Asthma Score,” though not a standardized metric, can be formulated by evaluating key indicators. This analysis will assess the current state of affairs, paying particular attention to physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive asthma care.

The foundation of asthma management rests upon accessible and competent primary care. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Felton is paramount. While precise figures fluctuate, a low ratio (i.e., a high number of patients per physician) can indicate potential access challenges. This necessitates a deeper dive into the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP Code. Are they concentrated in specific areas, creating potential disparities in access for residents in more rural pockets of Felton? Further investigation into the types of PCPs available is necessary. Do they include family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians? The presence of pediatric specialists is particularly crucial, given the high prevalence of asthma in children.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by these PCPs is a critical factor. We need to evaluate their expertise in asthma management. This involves examining their experience with asthma guidelines, their proficiency in diagnosing and treating asthma, and their ability to educate patients on self-management techniques. Information on practices' adherence to national guidelines, their use of spirometry (a lung function test), and their patient satisfaction scores (specifically related to asthma care) would be valuable in this assessment.

Identifying standout practices within 17322 is essential. These practices might be characterized by a strong focus on asthma management, a commitment to patient education, and innovative approaches to care delivery. These practices could be recognized for their proactive approach to asthma control, such as regularly scheduled follow-up appointments, personalized asthma action plans, and educational materials tailored to individual patient needs. They might also excel in coordinating care with specialists, such as pulmonologists, when necessary.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in the context of chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among PCPs in Felton is crucial. Do they offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication refills, or asthma education? The ability to monitor patients remotely through connected devices, such as peak flow meters, can also provide valuable insights into asthma control.

Asthma is not merely a physical ailment; it often has significant mental health implications. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Evaluating the accessibility of mental health services within Felton is necessary. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, available in the area? Do PCPs have established referral pathways to these services? The integration of mental health support into asthma management can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The analysis also requires an understanding of the broader healthcare infrastructure supporting asthma care. This includes the presence of urgent care centers or emergency rooms that can handle asthma exacerbations. The availability of respiratory therapists who can provide specialized care and education is another important factor. Furthermore, the availability of pharmacies that carry asthma medications and provide patient counseling is crucial for ensuring medication adherence and optimal asthma control.

Evaluating the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is essential. While PCPs are the cornerstone of asthma management, pulmonologists play a vital role in managing complex cases and providing specialized care. Assessing the proximity of pulmonology practices to Felton and the ease with which patients can access these specialists is important.

In conclusion, formulating an “Asthma Score” for doctors in ZIP Code 17322 and primary care availability in Felton involves a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, expertise in asthma management, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the broader healthcare infrastructure. Identifying standout practices and assessing the accessibility of specialists are also crucial. This analysis reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape, providing valuable insights for improving asthma care within the community.

For a comprehensive and visually compelling understanding of the healthcare landscape in Felton and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. Their interactive platform provides a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling a deeper understanding of the factors impacting asthma care and overall health outcomes.